SF 489 
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THE FEATHER 

PLYMOUT 
ROCK BOO 

y T. F. McGR 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 



COPYRIGHT OFFICE. 



No registration of title of this book 
as a preliminary to copyright protec- 
tion has been found. 



Forwarded to Order Division 



(Date) 



(All!-. 5, 1901— fi.OOO. 



The Feather's 
Plymouth Rock 
Book 



^ 



By T. F. McGREW 



^ 



COPYRIGHTED 1905 

By GEO. E. HOWARD 

WASHINGTON, D. C. 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 

Two CoDies Received 

MAK 12 m^ 

Ccpyriiiiit Entry 


CUSS 


XXc. No, 


COPY 


8. 



Rece'vsd irrom 
Copyrisht Office. 

-^9 ;,p 'o§ 



•^^ 






r.^ 



"CONTENTS. 



By T. F. McGri'W 



Introduction ' • -4 

Barred Plymouth Rocks 5 

Advancement of the Plymouth Rocks. . . .10 

Standard Shape Considered 14 

Barred Plymouth Rock Color. .... 26 

General Needs and Defects. .... 30 

White Plymouth Rocks 45 

Buff Plymouth Rocks S7 

Penciled Plymouth Rocks ^>7 



INTRODUCTION. 



During- the years intervening between 1884 and 
1889 the rehitiouship existing between Mr. Joseph 
WaUaee and the writei- Avas tdose and beneficial. Dur- 
ing the time he was compiling the data for his series 
on Amcriran P>ree(ls we met frequently and many let- 
ters ]iass('d between us. 'I'cu yeai's have passed since 
these books were issued, and it is my pleasure to at- 
tempt to complete this work. 

The group of American foAvls as set apart by the 
Standard of Perfection. i)i'esents what might ])e called 
the "money-makers" for the fanciers of to-day. Two 
very important members of the family have become 
almost obsolete. We doubt if any meritorious Domi- 
niques could be found in our country, and the Javas 
are seldom seen. Fc^llowing, as we often do, the gold- 
en phantom, we often pass by the better in our eager- 
ness to possess ourselves of lauded wonders. The fol- 
lowing attempt to help on the advance of our Ameri- 
can efi'ort to ju-oduce the best breeds of domestic fowls 
on earth, we dedicate to our deceased friend. ]Mr. 
Joseph Wallace. 

T. F. McGrew. 
New York City. 



CHAPTER I. 



BARRED PLYMOUTH ROCKS. 



Their Ancestors Traced. 

The most important factor in the older of our 
American breeds, is the so-called American Domi- 
nique. Having furnished the proper color and bar- 
ring for our original Plymouth Rocks, to it should 
go the honor of having started the American fanciers 
upon an almost endless task of training, within 
bounds, the shape and color demands of our Barred 
Plymouth Rocks. Having the honor of being the 
original ancestor of the Rock family, the Dominique 
should have at our hands at least a meagre descrip- 
tion. Of four books we have before us — all American 
publications, from 1845 to 1871 — three of them men- 
tion the Dominique. P>y illustration they are shown 
to have very long, flowing tails: the two main tail- 
feathers very long aud full. The gi'ound-color was 
light, barre;! l)y slaty-blue lines across the feathers: 
the females rather darker in color than the male. 
The illustration of same here presented is modeled to 
suit the Standard and at the same time to show their 
original make-up as recorded over forty years ago. 

Dr. John C. Bennett, in his book published in 1850, 
tells us that the Domini(|ue was brought into this 
country by the French, and that they Avere always 
very prolific layers, matured early, and stood both 
inbreeding and cross breeding without deteriorating, 
proving both their i)urity and stability of breed char- 



P 1 Y ni o u t h E ( ) (• k s 



actei'Isties. These qualities are fully upheld by all 
who write of them. "The Book of Poultry," by 
Lewis Wripht, furnishes the most satisfactory infor- 
mation of our American Domini([ues, in the illustra- 
tion of a pair bred from stock sent over to Enyland 
about 1870; also l)y i-eproducin^- feathers from both 
males and females. These fealliers show an edo'ini;^ 
in hackle and wiuLi-bow feather of male, also in hackle 
of female. This same edciniz' shows itself to this 
day in some of our m;de Plymoulli IJocks. 

Whethei- IIk^sc fowls came to this country from 
some other land oi- were p)'oduc(Ml here, we presume 
Avill nev(M' be known, luit th(^se so-called cuckoo colors 
I'esult from ci'osst^s of black and Avhite fowls. These 
same coloi-s made their apyiearance in the production 
of Cochin liantams in a ci-oss of a Black Bantam and 
a AVhitc l>oo1(^d. The shik^ admixtui-e of colors pro 
duced the Cuckoo Cochins, Doi-kiTii^s, and Scotch 
(ii'jiys. and when (\stnblished it is V(M'v i)i'onounced in 
its pi-o(lii('1ion. If castinu' our opinion ;is to the 
ori«;in of the Amei'ican Dominirpies we shonid venture 
to say they favored the Cuckoo Doi'kinu' or Sc(^tch 
(irays, and may ha\e come from much the same 
origin. 

Black Javas. 

The female side oi the alliance that produced our 
Plymoutli Kock fowl is admitted to be the Black 
Java. But little is recorded of them in early poultry 
books. They are mentioned by Dr. Bennett as the 
Oreat Java foAvl. As to their color he states, "black 
or dai'k auburn-color, with lartje l)lack Ici^s: they have 
single combs and are of p-ood size; their plumage de- 
cidedly rich." The Rev. H. S. Ramsdell in Avriting of 



P 1 y m o II t h Rocks. 

the origin of the Plymouth Rock mentions the Javas 
as having been introduced into Connecticut in about 
1840: its plumage black and glossy: its size large: 
slate-colored, smooth legs : ])ottom of feet yellow. 
Thus we find the rich Black crossed with the Barred 
Dominique as the ancestor of our Plymouth Rock 
family. 

When the Dominiques were crossed upon the Javas, 
they produced a fowl that ^Ir. H. Simpson, Jr., called 
an improved Dominicpie. In writing of them in 1870, 
he states that they are an improved Domini((ue, larg- 
er in size and with single comb. The early Plymouth 
Rock was an enlarged type of the Domini(|ue, having 
the full flowing tail of both ancestors. The great 
affinity of the blood union of these two breeds gives 
ground for consideration. ]\Iight not this same Java 
fowl have fui-nished one side of the cross that pro- 
duced the Dominique? And the head and the comb 
of the Domini(iue remind one of the Hamburg head 
and comb. IMight it be within the possibilities that 
the so-called penciled Dutch fowl came here with the 
early settlers and hel]H^d to lay the foundation of the 
soon-to-foUow American bi-eeds ? We know full well 
that the Dominique color is strong and self-asserting. 
This color is said to have shown itself as quite domi- 
nating over the black: at the same time the single 
comb of the Java quickly won the day. This might 
indicate a single-coml) ancest(n' for the Dominique. 
The whole result might incline one to the opinion as 
above stated. 

The Plymouth Rock as produced was a large fowl 
and rather on the dark order as to color. To im- 
prove this a second cross with the Dominique was 
tried, then a Cochin cross to improve shape and tail- 



P 1 y m o nth R o c- k s . 



formation. These additional crosses ofave to the Ply- 
mouth Kock the blood lines of four breeds to battle 
into submission. These crosses Avill continue to come 
to the surface from time to time and shoAV themselves 
when least expected. AVere it ]iossible to know all 
the mixtures, admixtures, and plans ftn- mating- all 
our fowls, one couhl cak-ulate ahead, providing he 
(■(luld ];ni)vr individual s]!ecime!s. 

In the production of one of the varieties of Orping-- 
tons. Ilaraluiriis. keuhorns. and Dorking's were used. 
From these crosses of black and white fowls, some 
of Cuckoo iir Domini(|ue barrinp- were produced. This 
fact aaain points to the intluence of the ban-ini:- of the 
TTamburi;' as one of the elements in the makinu' of 
Dominiques as does the tendency toward white in 
rar-lobes. 







Barred Plymouth Rock Pullet 



CHAPTER II. 



Advancement of the Pljonouth Rocks. 

The size and general useful qualities of the Ply- 
mouth Koeks attracted early attention and the whole 
body of American fanciers became more or less in- 
terested in their improvement. Many additional or 
lop crosses were made, amonu' them the Cochin cross 
that endowed them Avitli a seeminyiy everlasting? heri- 
1ai;-e of Itotlier in the way of feathers on leqs. This 
same fault clinii's to thcii- all)ino sport, the White 
[Jock showiuu' the almost iunuovable damap'e that 
comes with au ill-selected cross. Bad color of beak 
and leys and faulty coudis botliered for many years, 
also bad coloi- of wines and tail. All these faults have 
been slowly subdued until they are fairly well under 
control. 

One has simply to look l)ack twenty yearn to fully 
realize the vast imin'ovements in the entire make-up 
of our l^arred Rocks. The masterly hand of the en- 
thusiastic fancier li;is guided them into their present 
position and made them ready for the finishinu' touch 
that will sui-ely ho jdaced U]ion them. No one can 
1eel satisfied in theii- partial coup^letion. They nmst 
be made moi-e uniform in both shape and color. Breed 
cliaractei-istics must be so Avell established in them 
that all varieties of the breed Avill be true Plymouth 
TJoclcs. The vast number of types to be seen simply 
stands as a landmark of their incompleteness. 

10 




BARRED PLYMOUTH ROCK MALE 



n V 111 o u t li Rocks. 



There always has been one type that leaned some- 
M'hat to the Cochin formation of cushion and tlntf. 
This we shonld not consider the better type. For the 
most useful fowl, we think, the true Plymouth Rock 
type, as described in the Standard should be the ab- 
solute rule. Personal preference should be abandoned 
entirely in the establishment of the uniform type. 
This should insui'e better and more regular form the 
whole land ovei-. A Plymouth Rock is not a true 
member of the family unless he has the breed char- 
acteristics in perfection. Fine coloi- is not breed for- 
mation. Shape over color will, beyond all question, 
advance the breed formation: color over shape must 
tend to deo-eneration of breed distinctions. 

Color is their variety emblem: it should be of tiie 
most perfect quality and well burnished for disv)lay, 
but a specimen lacking in true breed shai)e or fcn-m 
should be termed a masquerader, who struts ab(nTt in 
our variety colors unadvised of the fact that he is 
out of his class and should be moved to the auy-other- 
variety class. A determined demand on the part of 
all breeders for more recognition of the true shape or 
form would add much to their general improvement. 
In no other way can perfection of form be assured, 
for so long as color of any variety outclasses true 
breed (jualities. just so long will the In-eed be hamper- 
ed in its advancement to perfection. 

We hear the (piestion often asl:(Ml. why can not the 
.iudges come closer together in their work ? This is 
largely due to the fact that avc have no absolute rule 
for shape and color. Ask yourself while looking at a 
class of several hundred specimens, which specimen is 
the correct guide for true shane and color ^ Then 
consider to what breed the balance belong, for surely 

II 



P 1 y m <) 11 1 li 1\ o c k s 



they do not all show the same form, and in some eases 
the two extremes are almost as far apart in shajie as 
a Ije^hoi-ii and a Java. When breeders, fanciers, and 
judues all join liaiids in one determined demand that 
all spceimeiis considei'ed in any class ir.nst show IIk^ 
true chai'actcristics belonuinL;- 1o the hi-eed, IIkmi and 
oidy then Avill we I'each a settled perfection of foi-m : 
hut so lonu' as the ])i'cs('nt nrunuM' is followed of a!- 
lowiui;' ])oor shai)e to he carried jhronuh hy litu^ cohn*. 
no selth'd rr.le of shape c;ni be established. 

AVc ha^•e (diauued, rcN'iscil, and made over our 
Standai'd. We distniaiilicd foi- ycai's our tiiu'st s]i(>ci- 
mens for a twisted IValher in Avini;-; we wi'ite and 
(piiblilc about a sliuht defect in color (d' eye and (\ai'- 
lobe, and allow li\'(> or six prizes 1o lie awai'ded in a 
class Avhci'c often as many different types as speci- 
mens ai'c represented within the award lindt. All 
these can iu)1 be I'i^ht. 'i'he fault is as nnndi or even 
more that (d' the ])i'ee(le;s than the .inil'.''es. foi- v,'e all 
enconra'.^(' it. to a L';reatei' or l(>ss (^xtent. by not de- 
mandini;' 1h(> true 1y]ie. ()ur opinioji is that a speci- 
men of inferioi' f(n'm shoidd always he set a.side as not 
belotmini;' to the breed, no matter ho^v beaidiful the 
pIuunL'c: and in sayin;:;- this Ave must not b(> undei'- 
stood as undervaluing' color, for we consider it of 
nn)st im])or1ance. n(>xt to shajx'. 

T>ut few a1)solnt(^ (dianL;-es have been made in th(> 
standai'd demand as to shape. AYhile this is the fact 
as to the law that iiuides. many absolute chanu'es and 
improvements have been made in the bii-ds themselves, 
^fany specimens have been seen that abnost meet the 
highest ideal of Plynunith "Roclc perfection, so u'rand 
in both form and coloi- that one mnst stand and u-aze 
in admiration. This superiority may have added one 

12 



Plymouth Rocks. 



or two points more to their score than is given to 
specimens much their inferior in all respects. If we 
have no method of showing due credit for superiority, 
we surely have power to rebuke inferiority, and its 
use is our weapon for forcing improvement. Advance 
the general (juality by ignoring inferiority. 

]\lany of the early troubles, such as l):id-eolore;l legs 
and ear-lobes, splashes in plumage, and bad-colored 
plumage have largely decreased: the color of wings 
and tails much improved, and the formerly clouded 
a])pearance had almost l^ecome a thing of the past, 
until the recent demand for color to the skin over all 
other qualities took possession of judges and writers 
alike, whose preferences in this line have au'nin cloud- 
ed the plumage of the greater portion of those pro- 
duced, caused by the efil'ort of breeders to secure the 
style most preferred by those wbo bnng up the red 
and the blue ribbons. Xo one should object to any 
advancement or improvement of color: all should ap- 
plaud its achievement, providing other more impoi-t- 
ant qualities are not forgotten nor injured in the en- 
deavor to secure the so-called better color. 






13 



CHAPTER III. 



Standard Shape Considered. 

The greatest aclvaiu'eiuent made in our Standard 
sinee its conception, is the placinsi' in ti-ronps all va- 
rieties, including' Bantams, that beloiiL;' to one hreed 
and the constrnction ol' o7ie rul(^ or shaj^e des."ri]')tion 
for male and female of llie wliole uroup, thns demand- 
ini;- that bnt one form will l)e admitted as standard 
for all. If this laile should he I'iu'idly adhei-ed to liy 
all, the time is not far distant M'hen Ave shall have all 
vai'ieties of each hreed so exactly alike in ii'enera] 
form that no mistake c;in he nKuh"" in ]')laein<i' them. 
The necessity of tln^ hoiu' is a full understandins: of 
sha])e re(pdrements as laid down in the Standard for 
same. 

We do not claim to he more expert than others in 
the matter (^f Plymouth Rock shape, Itut do insist that 
there is great difference of oihnion among those who 
do claim almost infallibility of .judmnent in this line, 
taking theii- own selection of prize-winners as pi-oof 
of their judgment. Having seen tlu^ work (^f about 
all the most noted judges, I am prompted to say that 
I have never seen one that adhered a])solutely to a 
set I'ule for shape in this hreed. In fact, one often 
sees two oi- three types in one show with preferences 
given to all. These facts often brini;' forth a clamor 
of disrii)])r()vd. P.nt. wliile ;dl these diffcent +vnes 
have their advocates and admirers, surely no one has 

14 














PlatLj. '^'Q. 



Breast, Tail-Covert, and Back Feathers of a Pair of High Scorers. 



P 1 V 111 o 11 1 li Tv o (• k s 



the rififht to blame the expert M'ho selects his prefer- 
ence from amoiiii' them. 

That these ditferences should not exist, all must ad- 
mit. I>ut they do. The test of the matter is often 
presented in livinsi' illustration "when an old and suc- 
cessful breeder is called upon to ]^lace the awards, 
and others quite as successful exhibit their best for 
his selection. No one has th(^ ri^ht to claim superior 
judument over others of like ability: but all should 
unite in the production of standard foi'm within the 
liius laid down by themselves, and insist that the only 
one propel' shape should be recoo'nized by an award. 
One must admit the superior ability of those who 
form our sj^ecialty elulis. We must also bow in defer- 
ence to their wordinp; of the Standard. But, while 
doino- this, we surely have the riuht to expert that 
tliey of all others should adhere to the one only reco<2:- 
nized I'lymouth Roclc sha])e and teach us by object- 
lessons l)()th in producini4' and selectins: them in the 
shoM'-room. 

Shape of the Male. 

Our Standard calls foi- a head of medium size, sur- 
mounted by a comb medium oi- under medium in size, 
Avith five even and well-detined serrations. To com- 
plete the head, the specimen must have the short, 
stout beak with regular curve: fine, larixe eye; and 
Avell-shaped ear-lol)es and wattles. This does not call 
for a lariie or small head, but one of medium size. 
The same with com]) : medium or under medium is the 
demand. Now stop to consider these two very im- 
portant points. First : IToav shall we decide just what 
is medium in size for these sections? It can only be 
decided l)y the law of proportion. What might be 

16 



P 1 y m o u t li I\ c k s 



jnst the proper head and comb for one specimen 
would be out of proportion on another. This rule can 
not be absolute as to measurement of just what con- 
stitutes the proper size for every case. So. it should 
be considered as an elastic rule to be applied by the 
law of proportion in each case. 

At the same time we can readily understand that a 
lar^e, coarse head, havin.o- an oversized comb and 
badly-shaped beak, will not fill the standard demand 
for a Plymouth Rock head; nor will a small, ill- 
shaped head and' comb come within the demand. All 
can see this to be the fact. If one little side-spris,- on au 
otherwise perfect comb should be cut one-eighth of it."^ 
whole value, what should be the punishment for head 
and comb entirely outside of standard description? 
If a specimen has a head, comb, beak, wattles, and 
ear-lobes other than called for by the Standard, should 
it be considered as a Plymouth Rock ; or should it be 
set aside as not belonoing- to the breed? This is the 
only way to consider all sections of the Standard, and 
while its application to the letter would produce a 
panic in poultry affairs it is the only safe guide to fol- 
low in selecting specimens for our breeding-pens. 

The illustration above, as to faulty head-sections, 
should be applied more stringently to other sections; 
neck, back, body, tail, thighs, and shanks, all medium 
in length. Now, medium, as compared with what? 
One must conclude that this means, as compared with 
other breeds of the American class. These same sec- 
tions in Wyandottes must be short, back of Java long. 
This of necessity carries with it a long body. Other 
sections of the Java, also these sections of the Domi- 
nique, are medium as called for in Plymouth Rock 
standard. Consider the length of back and body of 

17 



P 1 V 111 o nth Ti () (• k s 



the Java. As compared with this, the Plymouth Rock 
should be medium and the Wyandotte short. This 
fact should be a g'uard aurainst a confusion of Rock 
and Wyandotte shape. Under these conditions should 
a barred fowl havinjj: a long Java body and back be 
considei'ed as a Plymouth Rock? Or should one hav- 
ing the shoi't, com})act shape of the Wyandotte stand 
ahead of the proper form? This is the way to proper- 
ly consider section by section our Standard shape. 

The description of back, though plain in its de- 
mand, is nnieh disregarded. "Inroad, of mediu'.n 
lengtli aiid rising with a slight concave sweep to the 
tail." This does not call for a full cushion, nor a 
long, fiat back; but it docs call for a bi-oad bade, not 
a narrow, pinched one. It a Is > 1c! Is us very ]~)lainly 
as to a slight concave sweep to ilu' tail. This is about 
as adopted at Indianajiol^s in IS'^.'^. The point for 
consideration here is. the mca'iinu- of "a sliglit con- 
cave swcc])."" Concaved is to be hollow or I'ounded. 
This description calls foi- a !)1'o.m1. medium length 
back, having a slightly i-ouu-IimI liollow that gently 
curves to the tail. No mention is made of any Ikic]^: 
formation that should encourage a tcn:l(Micy toAvai'd 
a cushion. Tliis tendency shr.uld be cnllivated s!)me- 
Avhat in the Wyandotte, bill not in the l^lymouth 
J^)cks. 

Bi-easl broad, deep, w(MI rounded: this is very short 
and pi-ecise. A na)'i"ow breast does not belong to this 
breed, lUMther does a shallow, tlat breast. The breast 
must be deep from to]i of back down to point of keel- 
bone, wliich )nust be cari'ied well forwai'd. making the 
l)reast full a"'l round, fasliiimed more like a Dorking 
than a liCuhorn. Plymouth Rocks that have a tend- 
ency to stand up like a Game fowl always lack proper 




From Back aud Cu^liion ( f Pu let. Resu't < f Siii, le Mating. 



P 1 Y m o 11 t li 1{ () (• k s 



breast-formation. Tliere is l)ut the one proper breast 
and l)()(ly-f()rinati(»n, so ])l;iinly described in the Stand- 
ard : all otliers should l)e discarded as not be- 
longing- to the l)reed. Fluff mocbn-ately full. There 
is nothinu' in this descrij^tion of l^ack, l)reast, and 
liody that leads any one to consider a bird fashioned 
after the Cochin type, nor will the Leuhorn or (ianie 
type till tlie (b-niand. The ti'ue I'lyniouth Rock shape 
so plaiidy (b^hned sliould l)e ])i'oduced and none other 
considere(b TiCus, l»oth Ihiglis and shanks, medium in 
lenuth. noithei- lony' nor short. The whole description 
of the bird calls for a well-formc(k compact l)ody, well 
pbieed upon strong- legs, of medium leng-th, present- 
ing a strong, vigorous action: not a short, inactive 
fowl, nor a spindling- specimen on stilts. A careful 
consideration of all standai-d (h^nands is the only 
]»roper mclhod for s-acccss. Legs should be set well 
a])art, othei-wise they have a tendency to narrow the 
lireast. Knocked knees should he considered as al- 
most a disciualitication. They are far more injurious 
in every way than cither M'hite in ear-lobe or bad color 
in plumage. The use of such specimens as stock birds 
is not to be considei'ed. 

Shape of Female. 

The standard description foi- shape of female is al- 
most identical with the description of male. Havinn: 
I)aid special attention to this, I shall only call atten- 
tion to two very important sections of the female — 
back and fluff. The early standard for Plymouth 
Rock females, called foi- the following hack for fe- 
male: "Broad, of medium length, slightly cushioned 
from center of back to tail." This description favor- 
ed the cushion formation of back. This was slightly 

20 




BARRED PLYMOUTH ROCK FEMALE 



P 1 y m o 11 1 li R o c k s 



modified at Indianapolis in 1888. No change made at 
Chicago in 1893. The description for back has not 
been changed since the meeting of 1888. At the re- 
vision at Boston, January. 1898, the descriptions of 
])ack for both male and female were made the same. 
The clause demanding more cushion development for 
female than for male was left out. tluis favoring the 
proper Plymouth Rock back, and discouraging Coch- 
in development. The former description of Plymouth 
Rock and Wyandotte back-formation for females call- 
ed for identically the same shape, only the latter 
was described as short. Today the description is bet- 
ter, but both should be improved and made more defi- 
nite. Their shape is not alike, and the description 
should make this plainer. 

As to the description of fiuff, "moderately full" we 
think too indefinite. The inclination to increase the 
alidomen of the old hens with fat and thus show a 
much fuller fluff than l^elongs to the breed is not 
proper, as per the description. A full-appearing fluff' 
is not the proper formation under the Standard. It 
has no part in the make-up of proper Plymouth Rock 
form and should not be encouraged. This undesirable 
amount of abdomen and fluff gives them the appear- 
ance of having short legs, and undcr-body appear- 
ance of a smooth-legged Cochin, all of which should 
be considered as outside of proper form and discour- 
aged by non-recognition in the Plymouth Rock 
classes. 

We copy the following from a letter written by 
Messrs. Bradley Brothers, of Lee, Mass., for Reliable 
Poultry Journal's book on Plymouth Rocks: 

"(^^olor. — Color may be sul)divided into two sec- 
tions: Color proper, and form of barrings, counting 



21 



P 1 Y 111 () 11 I ll I\ O (• k s 



eighteen and twenty i^oints respectively. Color is 
found in ground and har. Pure ground-color is clear, 
grayish-white or bluish-gray, the same shade all 
through the hird, both in outer color and under-color, 
l)oth-in tiights and tails, coverts, sickles, and all the 
same shade of clearness everywhere. 

"The ground-l)ars are to hold their color uniform 
througliout, without merging into or mingling with 
the dark bar. 

"LikeAvise the color of the dark bar sliould be as 
nearly as possible exactly even from head to foot, in 
flights and tail, coverts and sickles, eveiy ])ar exactly 
tlie same shade as its neighbor. The edges should be 
firm and of same shade as the center; no mingling or 
merging and no color shown except pure dark blue. 
A pure ground-color in males is attainable and gives 
great beauty evcTi if the bars ai'c a little uneven in 
tl'.c different sccti(^ns. In fact, it is expected that the 
outer bars shall he a little harder in color than those 
underneath. Some judges prefer a hard, nearly black 
bar: others, a rich, mellow bar, while in ground-color 
some like a pearly, almost white, and others a more 
clouded l)lue. l^ut whatever the degree of color the 
purity should remain the same. A bird shoAving this 
pui'e color whether it be liclit. medium, or dark, is, 
as far as color goes, a thing of beauty; and when the 
barring is regular, it presents a picture long to be re- 
membered. 

"Form of Barring. — Barring to Ix^ pure in form, 
should show its tAvo edges equally distant apart the 
whole Avidth, and should go straight across tlie feather 
or be only slightly curved, all the bars on each feath- 
er to be of unifoi'm distance apart and parallel to one 
another, and all sections to nmtch Avell together in ap- 

22 



Plymouth K o c k s . 



pearance of bar. For further requirements see the 
Standard. Absolutely pure barring is not attainable, 
hence is not required, but the nearer it is approached 
the finer the effect, and with this approach the zebra 
lines are seen. The choicest males show this pure 
barring nearly perfect on the outside and frequently 
it is found well developed in the under-color. 

"The heaviest color sections are neck, breast, and 
back. Some judges prefer a pure outside color and 
will cut lightly for weak under-color. Others ad- 
mire perfection in under-color and will somewhat 
overlook a slight outside cloudiness if the under-bar- 
ring is ideal. 

"Form. — Com]>ai'e the cut of a Cochin cockerel 
with that of a Leghorn and notice the grand work 
which the poultry fathers have done in giving our 
best breed, the Bai-red Rocks, the large body and mar- 
ket carcass of the former, but with the activity and 
laying points of the latter. Clasp the Plymouth Rock 
cockerel by the keel-bone and place the other hand 
on the back. Are the two (piite a distance apart "? 
Then the body is 'deep.' See if the keel-bone is me- 
dium in length rather than short. This is to prevent 
the deep body from being too Cochiny. See if the 
body rapidly widens as you press fi-om the keel-bone 
outward at the sides and upward. This is 'broad.' 
Observe if there is roundness and curve of plumpness 
to body — this is 'full.' Press the hand again.st the 
breast. Does it feel like the end of a tea-cup, or the 
side of a small luimpkin ? If the latter, then it is 
standard. See that the keel projects enough to make 
the breast stand out nuiderately forward in its lower 
part See that the l)ack is bi'oad at each end and is 
medium in length, not short. All these are carcass 

23 



P 1 y 111 <) n t li R <) c k s 



measurements and count, exclusive of the thighs, thir- 
teen of tlie twenty-six points. They are largjely de- 
termined by the liand. 

"The sections of neck, tail, wing's, and legs count 
more for style and typical carriage, but frequently 
a bird with fine carcass measurements appears lack- 
ing in these, from a poorly-shaped neck or tail and, of 
course, should be cut only in the latter sections. 
View the bird from the i-ear. The tail should be 
spread at the base and well supplied with coverts be- 
cause it connects witli a bi-oad l)ack. Still, wings and 
tail are medium length to give the large body full 
support in the air. The neck-hackle is abundant and 
flowing because it comes down on to a broad back, 
and the legs are well a])ni't because they are joined 
to the sides of a bi'oad body. Still, neck and legs 
are 'medium' length, not short, to iTisure activity and 
foraging (pialities. The only parts where abundant 
feathering is re(|nired ai'e the eminently useful rain- 
shedding sections, neck and saddle." 






24 







HACKLEo-^HEN BREAST^fHEN. BREAST of COCK. 
HACKLE orCOCK. SADDLE. ^-^ COCK. 





Hambu g Feather, i-Ssc 




Dominique Feather, 1850 



CHAPTER IV. 



Barred Plymouth Rock Color. 

If it were possil)le to he fully assured as to the 
composition of the Dominique color, one ctmld start 
from the foundation and trace it to the jn-esent. If 
(n-iii-inally the Dntcli penciled or Ilamlnir^- and a blac;: 
fo^vl we know the foundation was l)lack and white; 
if a white fowl on one side and lilack on the other 
still l)lack and white: if com]iosed of hlack and white, 
why not Idack and white still .' All this argument 
helps those who advocate color-description beinii' de- 
scribed as black and white to theii' belief, but in this 
same line of thoniiht. if the Rari-ed l\(»cks are black 
and wliite. wliat of Iloudans and Anconas ' If black 
and white desci'ibcs tlie color of tiiese two varieties 
it will not make an intelligent description for the 
Barred Rocks, unless it is our intention to lireed them 
black and white. If it is intended to Imld to the same 
color now called the pro[)er shadinii' for them, plain 
black and Avhite will not describe it. If the descrip- 
tion for color is to be altered or chany'ed. great judii'- 
ment should ])e used in tlie selection of words to de- 
scribe it. 

Y\'e do not say. nor do we claim to l)e able to say 
what woi-ds Avould describe the color of Barred Ply- 
mouth Rocks better than those we have : but. on one 
l)oint wc are Avell satisfied, which is. that tlie sieneral 
public, or better to say the larger l)ody of the breed- 

26 



P 1 y m o 11 1 li K o c k s 



ers at large, consider the color about as described in 
our present Standard, and they will vote almost as a 
whole in favor of same rather than to have it de- 
scribed as black and white or in words less descriptive 
of the color than we now have. No doul)t but that 
the placing of the color and the blending of the same 
give the appearance more or less of blue shading. As 
compared with a Silver Penciled Hamburg it is not 
black, nor is it blue when compared with an An- 
dalusian. At the same time, when considered alone, 
it has the bluish appearance to the mind's eye of the 
great majority of fanciers, and it would be fatal to 
change the wording for others less descriptive of the 
color. 

The demand in the Standard for the same shade of 
color for both males and females, it is claimed by ex- 
perts, makes it quite impossible to produce them from 
what is called single matings, or both from the same 
mating. So few males have ever been shown of the 
same color as the best females that one might say no 
sure pbm has been discovered whereby they can be 
produced to any certainty. AYe have examined thous- 
ands of feathers, belonging to both sexes and have 
seen but few specimens that matched in color. If 
this can not be accomplished by or under the separate 
mating plan of to-day, where or how will it be ac- 
complished ? Or, must we admit it to be quite im- 
possible, and change our standard to meet the condi- 
tion? 

I have stated before, and still believe that the final 
solution of the color problem will be found in the sin- 
gle-mating plan, not by following same a year or two, 
but by careful attention to the selecting of the most 
perfect colors and mating them together year after 

27 



P 1 y m () n t li li o c k s . 



year till the proper color is established. This can not 
be aeeom])lished in a short time. The unnatural con- 
ditions brought about by double matings, cross mat- 
ings and single mating for the jiast fifty years can not 
be overcome unless close attention and care a'-e be- 
stowed upon the effort and ample time is given to 
overcome these troubles and establish a true breed- 
ing strain. 

We saw as fai' back as 1885 a strain of Barred Ply- 
mouth Koclcs that Avere bred on the single-mating 
plan, the males and females far more alike in color 
than we see to-day. The same ])erson that produced 
those specimens is now at work on the same lines 
with good success, and another under our influence 
is making a most satisfactory effort in the same di- 
rection. Should their care and patience continue a 
year or two longer we hope to see more than one blue 
ribbon won by specimens produced by the single-mat- 
ing system, both males and females of better and clos- 
er shade of color than seen to-dav. 






28 




From Cushion of Hen and Pullet. Tail-Covert of Ccckerel. 



CHAPTER V. 



General Needs and Defects. 

Some two years afjo I wrote an article that brought 
to me letters from all over the country, showing the 
great interest taken in the subject. This article is 
partially reproduced below with changes and addi- 
tions. 

'"We ai'e often a])t to lose sight of the most im- 
poi'tant i'actoi'S in nuitters under our consideration by 
directing too nnu'h attention to those of lesser im- 
poi'tance. This may be instanced in considering color 
in our birds. We might be led to believe that the 
under i)ortions of coloi- in some varieties constitute 
the whole bird. AVhile no one can be blamed for 
having a jirefei'ence and an opinion of his owu, yet 
when that opinion is made jn-ominently public it has 
its iuHuence either for or against tlu^ (|uestion at is- 
sue. If the opinion is at variance with the accepted 
law it loses its influence, from the fact that it has 
no foundation and can simply be looked upon as a 
preference for some one tlieory outside of the stand- 
ard law. 

"We take, for instance, the law which governs the 
true formation of Cochin fowls. The denmnds there- 
in set forth are about the same as they have always 
been, with little change in the general description 
from that recorded for this class by English l)reeders 
some fifty years ago. Under this same description 

30 



^-^^ii^^^ 







WHITE PLYMOUTH ROCK MALE 



P 1 V m () n t li Iv () c k s 



at least four distinct types of l)irds exist. Even in 
Eno'land we find the veiy tall, Hat-breasted specimen, 
Avith the heavy hocks which are so much despised by 
the majority of our peoi)k\ They nlso have the round, 
compact Cochin with the shorter les', which is more to 
our notion of proper Cochin requirements. 

"It is my purpose to use the Barred Plymouth Rock 
as an example to illustrate how the handlins: of any 
breed or variety of breed will influence its whole 
make-up in respect to form and color. The standard 
description of shape of Plymouth Rocks has not been 
changed enough in twenty years to make any con- 
siderable change of form in any section of the bird. 
Every one seems to understand fully just what, to 
their notion, can be called the true Plymouth Rock 
shape, and there seems to l)e quite as many notions of 
form as there are people who express them: but each 
and every one demands that they nnist be barred to 
the skin. The Barred Plymouth Rock, the most use- 
ful of all fowls, may be pushed into its own grave 
by breeder and judge alike, simply from requiring 
too dark under-color of barring to the skin. 

"When it is possible for females that lack size 
and weight and are faulty in form, to win over others 
of fine form, size, and color simply because they have 
the best barring to the skin, it is time to stop to con- 
sider whether or not this method should be fostered. 
When males with fine under-color can win over I)irds 
that are their superiors in every other respect than 
the barring to the skin, the day is not far distant when 
their popularity as a public favorite will end. The 
question is : Shall the Barred Rocks be valued on the 
bars, or shall they stand out as they should, on a clear 
sea, beautifully adorned by attractive colors of a per- 

31 




From Breast of Pullet, Back and Breast of Cockerel. 



P 1 V ni o 11 1 li K o e k s . 



feet hue, free from all untrue shadings that must come 
with too much under-color?" 

Without contending atiainst any one's opinion or 
the color description of our Standard, the true beauty 
of the color of a Barred Rock is its purity. The richer 
the color of the barring and the purer the light .or 
white of the plumage the more beautiful are the 
blendings. The almost white color, so beautifully 
barred with the darker shade as to give the blue and 
white shading of a female, is the ideal color. We can 
not hope to influence the masses against this beauti- 
ful combination that gives the blending which pro- 
duces the much-admired blue tint or finish of a mod- 
ern, up-to-date, rich-colored female. So long as we 
can hold this desirable style and finish of surface- 
color, all the barring possible can not injure them ; 
but as soon as the barring begins to cloud the sur- 
face-color it is beyond your control and injurious. 

The beauty of surface-color of our Barred Rocks 
has suffered more in the last five years than any of us 
would like to admit. During this period the desire 
for under-barring has gained a firm hold upon us. 
Even under the score-card system the discretion of the 
handler has been so influenced that under-color re- 
ceives more consideration than proper form. This 
is made more plain by the disposition to name the 
number of bars in each particular section of the 
specimen, thus drifting unconsciously into a method 
that places the number of bars over quality, bring- 
ing to the surface the undercurrent of the past five 
years; that is the natural outcome of the tendency 
to favor and to produce that manner of fowl which 
proves to be a winner. Judges form public opinion 
in poultrydom, as do the newspapers and orators in 

33 




Chick Feathers. 



P 1 y 111 o 11 1 li Rock s 



the political world. For this reason the jud.fres are 
by far the strongest element for and a.irninst any con- 
dition, and their guidance may, if allowed to lead us 
wrong, prove a ruin to our highest hopes. 

The Sensible Color JMarkings. — The barring of a 
Barred Rock, whether male or female, should consist 
of narrow bars of darker color upon the lighter color: 
these narrow bars to be close together in all sections, 
the neck and saddle to be the closest of all. and the 
wing and tail-barring to be wider and heavier than 
other sections. The positive demand is that the bar- 
ring must show the entire length of the feather, ex- 
cept where mostly composed of down, the shade of 
color to be uniform throughout. This wording calls 
for })arring that shows the whole or entire length of 
the feather, but it does not demand that the under- 
barring must be as deep or dark in color as upon the 
surface. It is quite possible to have the true surface- 
coloi-. also under-bai'ring of the required construction 
as called for in the Standard. 

To obtain under-barring we must mate year after 
year birds of the same blood lines that have the best 
barring obtainable. This will increase the proportion 
of dark color in the blood of the fowls, the presence 
of which may lu-ing a bi-ownish 1)lend upon the edge 
of the lighter color, destroying the close lines between 
the light and dark colors that produce the bluish cast, 
obtained only upon closely-cut specimens. The effort to 
obtain the demanded under-color produces so few fe- 
males fit for keen competition that many disappoint- 
ments come to those wlio strive to have the best. 
These discouraging results may pull the Barred Rocks 
down in the scale of popularity, as shown by the 
largely increasing interest in other breeds. 

35 



Ply 111 () nth Rooks 



This demand for under-eolor in males is reducing 
the number of eleo'ant specimens formerly seen to a 
limited few of the accepted (juality of ])arrino:. We 
are strontrly of the opinion that the comins' favorite 
will be Barred Plymouth Rocks, the male and female 
of an even color, both of the same shade or as nearly 
so as male and female can be, with under-barring of 
sufficient strength to uphold and maintain the beauti- 
ful blue cnst upon the surface-plumage. Some such 
are seen to-day and are growing in favor with the 
fancy. 

Line Breeding on Single-Mating Plan. — At this time 
we must depend entirely upon hearsay and theory, for 
no one lias even partially succeeded in establishing 
any set lines for success under this plan. Experi- 
ence teaches us that like will produce like, and 
fully realizing that all stock at hand has the admix- 
ture of double matings in its veins, we may select a 
male and female of most perfect Plymouth Rock 
shape, both of the admitted proper shade of color, 
the male just a little darker than the female. For 
this single-mating plan we shall select at least three 
pairs to constitute our start. In each we would use 
the proper colored female, paired with different col- 
ored males to test the first season's work. There- 
after the best-colored specimens would l)e mated to- 
gether until the bad features of double mating should 
be driven out and the proper color built up and es- 
tablished as the dominating color. 

In doing this we might lose the much-sought-for 
under-l)ai-riiig. But one of the most attractive varie- 
ties would be built up and advanced to a greater ])oi)U- 
iarity. We know it has been said, time and time again, 
that this can not be accomplished — so was it said that 

36 




From Saddle cf male, Fluff aad Cushion of Female. 



P 1 T m o 11 1 h R o c k s 



the Buff Rocks would be a passing fancy. It can be 
done and will be done, and when complete all will 
see its value. It has taken almost fifty years to brincr 
the Plymouth Rocks to their present position. "We 
must not expect in a few years' time to undo, re- 
build, and perfect upon a new line that which it has 
taken so many years to establish. It will take time, 
and he who attempts to produce more perfect speci- 
mens upon the new must show at least the patience 
of those who produced the Buffs and AVhites. With 
the pr()i)er beginning as to (juality of stock, care in 
mating, and the keeping of ])erfect records, the task 
will be inoi'e quickly accomplished than might be ex- 
pected ; for after the first ycai' imjirovement would 
be rapid, if the foundation slock were of the best. 

The lU'oducing of the higher-grade stock on the 
single-nuiting j)lan calls for uuitings that will pro- 
duce both males and females of ecpud quality from 
one j)air. This is what is known as the single-mating 
sysit"!!. Some of the most succc^ssfnl under the 
doiiblc-mating system come ncai'cr cai'li year to the 
single-mat itig plan. Thei'c is no use for any one to 
claim lliat as good are produced ;it this time under 
the strictly single-mating plan as are i>rodueed by 
following the other method, for the very reason that 
no one has a single-mating line that can be depended 
upon to r(q)roduce to a certainty — equal to being de- 
pended upon for new blood, or for a certain start. 
For this reason a new line of blood must l)e establish- 
ed. This will take time, money, and patience, but we 
feel })ronq)ted in saying it will bring its reward. 

The Double-^^lating System. — This system of mat- 
ing calls for females, in each case, that are darker in 
color than the male. It is claimed that the original 

38 



Plymouth Rocks 



black hen, mated to the original Domini(|iie male, 
created this condition, and that for all time to come 
the females will be darker in color than the males. 
Whether or not this is the reason we can not say, but 
we all know it is a fact ; and to overcome this way 
of breeding-, males of the lighter color are used. 

For the production of standard-colored cockerels, 
males of the most perfect standard color are mated 
to females that are from one to three shades darker 
than standard color, as may be the preference or judg- 
ment of the breeder and his knowledge of their re- 
producing powers. This manner of mating should 
produce cockerels of the proper shade of color for 
exhibition purposes. The females from the same mat- 
ing will be too dark for exhibition purposes but 
should make the very best for producing cockerels 
another year. Success in any of these matings de- 
pends largely on the clearness and evenness of color 
and barring in both the male and the females. The 
females from such matings are usually a little darker 
in color than the females from which they are bred. 
At times they come entirely too dark to be of any use. 
To remedy this, lighter-colored males must be used. 

For the production of standard-colored pullets, fe- 
males of perfect standard color and barring should 
be mated to a male two or three shades lighter in 
color than they. The greatest care must be given in 
selecting these males to assure the most perfect bar- 
ring throughout. An indifferently barred male is al- 
most worthless in any or all of these matings. When 
these two lines are thoroughly established, experi- 
ence will teach just which shades of color v/ill suc- 
ceed the best. Until this experience is gained onlv two 
principles can be depended upon : A standard-colored 

39 



Plymouth Rock s 



male to darker females for cockerels; standard-color- 
ed female to a lighter-colored male for pullets. 

At this advanced stage in poultry breeding it is 
worse than useless to hope to produce good or even 
fair exhibition fowls from inferior l)reeding stock. 
To succeed under any plan of mating one must have 
the best possible blood lines to dc})end upon. It is 
useless to hope for good results from poorly-bred 
stock. Good line breeding is as necessary as good in- 
dividuality ; both the breeding and the quality must 
be in the specimen used. 

The Pea-Comb Plymouth Rock. 

This variety of the Plymouth Rock family was ad- 
mitted to the Standard at Indianapolis in 1888. After 
ten years of recognition it was dropped from the 
Standard at Pioston in 18!)8. After ten years 
of pul)lic favor at the hands of the American 
Poultry Association, they became almost extinct, 
proving our long-advocated theory that to be a valu- 
able standard variety more distinctive marks should 
be demanded than simply the changing of the style 
of comb, or the removing from or the placing of 
feathers upon their legs. I copy the following from 
the pen of i\Ir. H. S. Babeock, by his permission : 

"For several years prior to this date the Pea-Comb 
Barred Plymouth Rock was bred l)y a number of 
breeders, amonjx whom the most prominent were M. 
A. Bush, of I\Ielrose, IMass., and II. S. Babeock, of 
Providence, R. I. ]Mr. Bush, in 1888, retired from 
breeding poultry and sold his entire stock to Mr. 
Balicoek. Since 1888 the variety has ])een bred by 
quite a large number of persons, chiefly men who 



40 




WHITE P!_YMOUTH ROCK FEMALE 



P 1 V m o 11 1 h R o (' k s 



keep fowls for practical use, and has been distributed 
to all parts of the country. 

"In searchino- for its origin the writer has received 
hundreds of letters showing that in various flocks, 
at sundry times and in divers places, pea-combed 
chickens have appeared, the parents being single- 
combed, thoroughbred Plymouth Rocks. These fowls 
were so kept that a cross was impossible, in some 
cases being the only variety upon the place or in the 
immediate vicinity. The testimony was simply over- 
whelming in favor of the assertion that the pea-comb- 
ed birds were just as pure in blood as the single- 
combed ones, and hence they were regarded as a 
'sport' of the Single Combed Plymouth Rocks. A 
'sport' they have been called and perhaps justly, 
though there appears a possibility of considering them 
a reversion, for it appears from considerable testimony 
that the Single Comb Barred Plymouth Rocks had in 
their veins a decidedly mixed blood. For example, 
]\Ir. I. K. Felch declared in an article, written about 
the time the Pea-Comb Barred Plymouth Rock was 
admitted to the Standard, that a certain breeder 
of Single Combed Barred Plymouth Rocks, acting 
upon his advice, had bred into his strain the blood of 
tli« Light Brahma, and that when the Light Brahma 
blood had been reduced to one-eighth the resulting 
birds were winners. Again, a prominent breeder of 
Barred Plymouth Rocks told the writer that he had 
personally crossed into the original Essex strain a 
Black Red Pit Game, in order to give more vivacity to 
the fowls and then had bred out the strictly Game 
characteristics. It was also learned that another 
prominent early strain had in its composition the 



41 



Plvmoiith Rocks. 



blood of the Dark Brahma, and it is well known that 
the Black Java used in the makinp: of the original 
Plymouth Rocks was an Asiatic fowl, and all Asiatic 
fowls have a tendency to produce pea combs. Inas- 
much as the Brahmas, Light and Dark, are pea-comb- 
ed fowls, and as Pit Games produce all manner of 
eondjs — single, rose, nub, strawberry and pea — and as 
all Asiatics have a tendency toward the production 
of the pea-coml), it is impossi])le that the com!) upon 
the Plymouth Yloek is due not to sporting, which 
means the production of an entirely new character, 
one not possessed by an ancestor, but to reversion, in 
this instance affecting the comb only of the fowls. 
But to one or the other cause, either to sporting or re- 
version, the pea-comb of the Plymouth Pock uuist be 
referred, for no inuueiliate t-i'oss for its jiroduction 
was ever made. The Pea-Comb Plymouth Rock is as 
pure in blood as its single-combed ancestor: it is a 
Plymouth Rock and nothing else. 

"After the writer had succeeded in introducing 
the Barred variety he ])roduced a Pea-('ombed AVhite 
Plymouth Rock in the following way: lie Avas l)reed- 
ing the White Plymouth Rocks with single combs 
at the time and a friend of his. Mr. F. B. Butts, of 
East Providence, R. I., purchased of J. C. Harris, of 
Venango, Penn., a setting of White Plymouth Rock 
eggs. In the brood hatched fj-om these eggs was a 
strapping, big, handsome cockerel with a pea-coinb, 
a clear case of sporting if the White Plymouth Rocks 
have no pea-coml)ed l)lood in their veins. I\[r. Butts 
gave this cockerel to Mr. Babcock. This was the sec- 
ond Pea-Comb White Plymouth Rock the writer had 
ever owned, the first being a sport from the barred 



42 



Plymouth Rocks. 



birds of Mr. M. A. Bush — a beauty, white as the .<=>-ow, 
but which unfortunately died before he left any stock 
behind him. The Butts' bird was crossed upon the 
writer's Sing^le Combed Whites and Pea-Combed 
Barred females, and the white chickens with pea- 
combs were preserved and bred top:ether, producing 
the Pea-Comb White Plymouth Rocks." 




43 



\\\\, 

r^.1^1.^ 





White Plymouth Rccks. 



CHAPTER VI. 



WHITE PLYMOUTH ROCKS. 



Their Origin and General Improvement. 

I submit for your consideration tlie words of the 
secretary of the American White Plymouth Rock Chib, 
with reference to the origin of the White Plymouth 
Rocks, believing his words to be well selected and 
complete : 

"As a general rule, statements regarding the origin 
of any particular breed of fowls are susceptible of 
criticism, and in many cases a thorough and exhaus- 
tive investigation only serves to bring to light con- 
ditions which make positive assertions generally an 
anwise policy. This state of affairs exists more par- 
ticularly as regards the time and place of origin 
when considered as aft'ecting Plymouth Rocks, and 
for this reason the statements made in this brief arti- 
cle will be such as are absolutely beyond contradic- 
tion and which are really facts that will not admit of 
argument. The White Plymouth Rocks are, in the 
common acceptation of the term, 'sports' from the 
Barred variety. By this term is meant that from the 
mating of Barred Plymouth Rocks there results in the 
progeny a white fowl which is simply and truly a 
White Plymouth Rock, and can not consistently be 
called anything else, although an effort was made at 
one time to have them designated in the Standard 

45 



Plymouth Rocks 



as White Birmins^hams, etc. This chiim recfardinfr 
their oriirin has been assailed from the time of tlieir 
introchietion to the present date and will perhaps 
never be aceej^ted by some writers (?) and friends of 
otliei" breeds, but the utter lack of foundation of tlie 
anti-sport aru'ument is clearly demonstrated when the 
underlying' facts in the case are considered. It is 
conceded that the American Domini(jne, the Black 
Java, and the White Birminoham were usetl in the 
make-up of the Barred Plymouth Rocks. There were 
probal)ly other breeds used also, but these, we know, 
were the ancestors of some of the foremost strains. 
It will, therefore, lie seen that the Ihi-ds from this 
malinu' would necessai'ily, in acc(n-dance with the 
hiws of nature, oceasionally pr(Hlu('e in the ]iro^eny 
a solid white fowl, derivinii' color from the White 
Birmiimhnm cock and ])ossessinL;' the characteristics 
of all tlu'ce lirceds. Such a result is to be expected. 
It is an illustralion of Ihe truism that 'we can not 
i^et aAvay from our ancestors.' It will have to he ad- 
mitted that the 's]-)ort' theory, as reuai'ds certain 
other breeds, has been advanced t(^ limits that are 
entirely out of reason, and in most cases the claims 
of this nature m;;de for some lireeds are visionary in 
the extreme. 

"If white ])ro^('ny ever resulted from black parents 
it is propei'ly tei'ined all)inoism and it is a condition 
not to be desired, iov the reason that it carries with 
it a lack of stamina and a i^enerally weak and inferior 
condition in all i-espects. The throAvinu' of white 
sjiorts by Barred Plymouth Rocks is not an altoo-ether 
uncommon occurrence, and is explained as above, 
the cause beinti- the white f(nvl used in orifjinatinp: 
the Barred Rocks. This reversionary tendency is 

46 



Plymouth K o c k s . 



oftener found in the crossing' of the Essex strain of 
Barred Rocks with other strains, but is liable to be 
found in any Hock. The writer has been told by ]\Ir. 
I. K. Felch, Judiie II. A. Brido-e, of Columbus, Ohio, 
and I\Ir. 11. S. Babcock, of Providence, R. I., that they 
have had white 'sports' from Barred Plymoutli Rocks. 
The veracity of these disinterested tientlemen can not 
for one moment be questioned, and their names are 
mentioned in this connection for the pur]iose of show- 
ino- the falsity of the statements sometimes seen to the 
effect that white spoi't.s always appear in some remote 
location, or in the yards of some breeder unknown to 
the fraternity. 

"The first l)i"eeder of prominence to place them be- 
fore the public was ]\Ir. Oscar F. Frost, of ^lonmouth. 
Me. The 'sports' which were the foundation of j\Ir. 
Frost's strain were hatched in his yards in ISTT), and 
were the result of a matini>- of the Essex and Drake 
strains of Barred Plymoutli Rocks. They were care- 
fully mated and only the pure white prop-eny selected 
for Ijreeders, till in a few years Mr. Frost had a larse 
number of beautiful white birds that were the exact 
counterpart of their ancestors, except in color, and 
an exhibit of them at a bird-show in Boston, in 1881, 
attracted wide-spread attention. In the meantime 
other parties had been experimentino- alon."' the same 
line and the futui-e prospects of the fowls were so 
bright that unscrupulous breeders began to introduce 
foreign blood in order to supply the demand which 
by this time had developed to large proportions. In 
a short time the Eastern States were flooded with 
specimens that were everything but White Plymouth 
Rocks, and M'hite fowls of all conceivable shapes and 
sizes were palmed oft' on the public as White Rocks. 

47 



P 1 V m o 11 1 li li () e k s . 



To this condition of affairs is attributed the stand 
taken by many persons at that time that they were 
not 'sports' from the Barred variety. The result was 
that the justly-earned standing and reputation of 
the AYhite Plymouth Rocks Avere well nitrh injured 
beyond the point of recovery, but thanks to the hon- 
esty of Air. Frost and other reputable breeders, the 
breed was preserved and propagated in its purity, 
and when dishonesty and misrepresentations had run 
their course, the i^enuine Plymouth Kocks were still 
in the land and ready to make a fresh start in the 
race for popular favor. 

"The credit for their introduction in the West 
properly belongs to Mr. S. M. Williams, of ]\Ionroe- 
ville, Ind., in whose yards the first specimen appeared 
in 1883. Mv. Williams was then a breeder of Barred 
Plymouth Rocks, and had the reputation of breeding 
as good birds as could be fouiul. When the first 
Avhite chick appeared, he was very loth to nuike the 
fact known, and quickly disposed of it. However, 
the persistence with which they appeared in the prog- 
eny of the fowls mated to a certain cock-bird led him 
to give the matter some thouglit, and resulted in his 
establishing a strain which he called the Empires. 
Previous to their introduction l)y Mr. AA^illiams the 
White Rocks were comparatively unknown in the 
West. They were first exhibited at Ft. Wayne, Ind., 
in 1886; also at Chicago and Cincinnati in the same 
year. By this time they had begun to create the 
same favorable impression in the West that the Frost 
strain had in the East, and their entrance to popular 
favor was accompanied by the same conditions that 
had to be contended with in the East ; namely, the 
foisting upon the public of all kinds of white fowls 

48 



P 1 V ni o 11 1 li 11 o c k s . 



under the name of White Plymouth Rocks. The 
White Javas, White Dirigos, White Erminettes, Snow- 
flakes, Puritans, and other cross breeds furnished a 
reojular Kh)ndike for their breeders, and a.u'ain the 
name of White Plymoutli Ixocks suffered a set-back 
from which it took some time to recover. 

"The genuine AVhite Rocks Avere not to be downed, 
however, and they ai;ain survived the handicaps 
placed upon them, and for several years have been 
bred in their purity until noAv they are found in tke 
yards of thousands of bree:lers, and ai*c proviiiu' their 
fitness for the position they occupy — that of beinij the 
best all-purpose fowl we have to-day. It will be some 
time, however, before the evil effects previously men- 
tioned will be entirely eradicated. But breeders are 
becoming: educated to know what constitutes a White 
Rock, and we do not find near so many specimens 
now with backs and tails approaching the Leghorn 
type, and with willow leji's, which are an indication 
oi White Java blood. The breed is now in a position 
Avhere counterfeits can not injure it, and we predict 
that it will at an early date receive the consideration 
to which it is entitled. To all persons Avho in the past 
have not had success with the White Rocks we would 
earnestly say, do not condemn the breed until you 
have given it a fair trial. Your birds may not have 
been pure bred. Counterfeits of all things are usually 
very undesirable,. but a counterfeit White Plymouth 
Rock is, more than any one thing, to be despised. 
You will not be disappointed if you try White Ply- 
mouth Rocks that are White Plymouth Rocks, in fact 
as well as name." — Frank Heck, New Albany. Ind. 

The writer saw the first lot of White Plymouth 
Rocks produced, in the yards of Mr. Williams, of 

49 



P 1 V HI o 11 1 h Rocks. 



Monroeville, Indiana. From that time to the present 
I have paid special attention to their advancement; 
and no one saw the organization of the White Ply- 
mouth Rock Club with more pleasure than I, for I 
recognize in them the guardians of their future. 
Under their patronage true Plymouth Rock form will 
be advanced and adhered to. The smooth-legged, 
Cochin-formed females will not have the preference. 
I mentioned this when writing of the Barred variety. 
At the same time I consider it of sufficient import- 
ance to be repeated under each variety, but more es- 
pecially so in connection with the Whites, so that it 
may be quite impossible for a Single Combed White 
Wyandotte to win as a W^hite Rock. Their different 
breed characteristics should be so fully developed 
that the shape of one could not be mistaken for the 
other; the establishing of same should be the most 
important mission of all those who are interested in 
the two breeds. 

In luindling the White Plymouth Rocks three very 
important features nuist be looked after; namely, size, 
true Plymouth Rock shape, and color. We consider 
size of the greatest im[)ortanee in all white fowls. 
With it should go health and vigor. White fowls of 
all kinds are naturally more delicate than those of 
stronger color. Either the high or vigorous constitu- 
tion carries with it some tint in the plumage, or else 
the presence of the yellow or creamy tint in plumage 
adds sti'ength and vigor to the specimen; for of one 
fact we are assured, that the specimens having the 
rich-colored beak and legs usually show some tint 
of a yellowish shade in \y,\r\s of the plumage, and 
with it usually comes the greatest vigor. 



50 



P 1 y m o 11 1 h E o c k s . 



In considering size, bone formation should ])e well 
considered. A good, strong shank is quite important, 
denoting strength and ]ilenty of bone. The true breed 
shape should be present, or the si)ecimen should be 
discarded from your mating. It is the wildest folly 
to countenance poor shape in any member of a pen 
of White Rocks, for if that feature is lacking, the 
whole value is gone, for such a specimen is a nonde- 
script, of no value, and is sure to bring lasting injury 
to your flock. Better by far have three specimens of 
perfect form than thirty of moderate quality. Like 
will produce like, or its inferior. If of only moderate 
quality, none but the best can be counted upon to give 
the highest quality of stock and to be assured of this 
they, must be line bred. 

White as a color is quite as difficult to produce 
as any of our variety colors. When we come right 
down to the fine point, only a few specimens are seen 
that are anywhere near pure white: the majority have 
the yellowish cast among the plumage, and many of 
them have more or less a sprinkling of black. Usu- 
ally those showing the sprinkling are the M'hitest in 
feather. I quote l)elow from my own former state- 
ments as to white color: 

"W^e have digressed from our immediate subject 
for the purpose of showing the importance attached 
to color and to the science of producing certain de- 
sired shades. To return more properly to what we 
have in mind (and doing so in the natural order 
under which it should be considered) we will take up 
the subject beginning with white. As we are treating 
of color, it may be justly claimed that we should not 
treat of white, since in its purity it is practically the 
absence of all color. AVhat it is in fact does not 



51 



P 1 Y 111 O Tl t ll I\ (> (• k S 



affect the question under discussion, for in poultry 
breeding' it is accepted as color in many varieties of 
our domestic fowls. But how numy of us know what 
true white is? Very few have seen it in its purity, 
such as can be found only in a substance that has been 
bleached, as ]iaper when it comes from the bleach- 
tubs, so very white that it dazzles and almost blinds 
the eyes. On cx})osurc to aii- and li.uht it beu'ins at 
once to l)ecome tainted in its ])urity and assumes color, 
or, at least, the first indication of c(^lor. So with 
white fowls — the (piality Avhich ju-oduces the yellow 
beaks, leg's, and skin will taint the ((uills of the feath- 
ers with a yellow iiigment which gives to the pure 
white a creamy or yellowish cast. This taint in the 
color, under influence of the air and sun and light, 
changes to yellow the surface which often hides a 
pure under-color. AVith age and the action of the 
sun the taint becomes moi-e marked, for in this case 
the tendency is not to fade out so long; as the yellow 
pigment is kept to give the proper shade to beak, 
legs, and skin. The desired combination is not a 
natural one. It is forcing nature and consequently 
must entail Avork, for at every step we are met with 
the tendency of the beak, legs, and skin to fade or of 
the plumage to lose its ])urity. 

"Take any breed or variety of white fowls, and 
for years breed in line for white beaks, legs, and skin, 
and you will find it easy to produce liirds of pure 
white plumage, so free from anything foreign that 
little, if any, bad color will show in their feathering^. 
When this is obtained, it shows the most total absence 
of color in their system, other than what is furnished 
through the blood. This, I believe, is the only way in 
which the pure and unchangeable white can be ob- 

52 




BUFF PLYMOUTH ROCK MALE 



P 1 y 111 o u t h Rock s 



tained. The purer it is and the freer from foreign 
substance the less it will suffer from the action of the 
sun and lio-ht. As long as the pure white plumage 
must be intluenced by color of legs and skin, only a 
limited number of good specimens can be produced, 
and these only by the greatest care in shielding them 
from the sunlight and its glare. Where the yellow 
pigment exists, the tendency of discoloration is so 
great that to maintain the white in its purity de- 
mands constant cai-e. an instant of neglect ])eing suffi- 
cient to undo all the work of many months. 

"Xotwiihstanding all tlie work that has been done 
and is still being done to produce pure white plumage 
with yellow beaks, legs, and skin, no one has as yet 
been al)le to so control these two colors as to keep 
the color of the skin fron) influencing the i)lnmage, 
though, of course, there have been many cases of 
])artial success, running from the very lightest taint 
to all the different degrees verging to yellow. Neither 
has any ])l;iusil)le theory been advanced as to how the 
same can be accomi>lished other than by shielding 
from exposure to the sunlight. In the nuijc^rily of 
specimens raised during one season it is almost use- 
less to strive to obtain jjcrfect white, liut it is well 
to select the \ery best and to give them complete pro- 
tection from direct sunlight. It is even safer yet to 
confine them in quarters where even the reflection of 
the glare of the sunshine can not reach their plum- 
age. 

"This is prol)ably the hardest problem which the 
fancier has to solve, and instead of trying to guide 
nature in the channel which circumstances make a 
logical way, he strives to go against the laws of na- 
ture and compel that which has been proved to l)e in- 

53 



P 1 V m o nth Rocks 



compatible : that is, to produce a pure white fowl in 
a specimen that is required to have yellow pigment. 
The result is notliing more than the natural blending 
of colors which are kept in dangerous jn-oximity. 
We are by no means prepared to state that the pro- 
ducing of fowls' with white plumage and yellow beaks, 
legs, and skin is an impossibility, but it must be borne 
in mind that producing is not even half the battle. 
The aim must be to obtain the qualities desired so 
firmly established in the specimen that reproduction 
will not be a matter of doubt but an assured fact, 
and that no extraordinary care shall be needed to 
avoid the discoloi-ation which at this writing is the 
bane of every breeder of white fowls. 

"In everything there is a right and a wrong way, 
and if you wish to produce perfectly white plumage 
you must avoid the source of youi' ti"oid)le: in other 
Avords, remove as much as possible that which is re- 
sponsil)le for the tainting. Tliis you will find in the 
(|uills, whence it is absorbed from the yellow skin. 
Select for breeders the purest white-plumaged speci- 
nuMis you have, pure white in (piills, with beaks and 
legs very pale in coloi', using these as the foundation 
on which you are to l)nild your pure white strain. 
Prom year to year select your lu-eeders on the same 
lines, and in the course of time you will establish a 
true pure white plumage, accompanied by very pale- 
colored l)eak, legs and skin. In no other known way 
can pure white plumage be produced with any cer- 
tainty. There ai-e certain laws of nature that can not 
be overridden (at least for the present, with our 
limited knowledge), and it does not look as if the 
producing of white plumage with yellow beaks, legs^ 



54 



P 1 y m o 11 1 h Tv () c k s . 



and skin comes under that class. Only the future can 
prove the facts in the case, and if the past is to be 
taken as a criterion of the future, but few of us will 
live to see the problem satisfactorily solved." 




d:) 




Buff Plvmoutb Rock 



CHAPTER VII. 



BUFF PLYMOUTH ROCKS. 



Their Orig-in, Ancestors, and Improvement. 

The fact that one is of royal birth will s^ive him 
great advantao-es. At the same time, there is magic 
in a name well applied. Such a magic has saved the 
Biifif Rocks from being cast aside. The first of this 
class that came to my notice Avere far inferior to a 
Rhode Island Red of the present day, l)nt the name 
carried with it respect, which encouraged their ad- 
mirers to work for success. Early in the eighties we 
advised the use of Buft' Cochins upon White Rocks. 
Had we at that time known the real qualities of the 
Rhode Island Reds, we would have advised the use 
of the Rhode Island Red Single Comb males upon 
the White Plymouth Rock females, showing very 
yellow plumage. This to-day we think would pro- 
duce them in a few years; but such a course would 
be useless at this time, from the fact that so many 
real meritorious specimens are present to select from. 

This variety is an outside production forced upon 
the Plymouth Rock family as a member of its house- 
hold without its sanction. For quite a while it was 
an unwelcome guest, now a well-received member and 
a credit to the breed of its adoption. I shall relate 
their origin as given in the official catalogue of the 
club : 

57 



Plymouth Rocks. 



"Origin of the Buff Rocks bred by J. D. Wilson. 

"For lack of an article on the origin of the Buff' 
Rock I will take the liberty to give Mr. J. D. Wil- 
son's letter to me, explaining his strain in particular, 
to the Buff Rock breeders, as I think it will be of 
interest to all. 

" 'Dear Mr. Denny: In reply to your inquiry, how 
my strain of Buff' Plymouth Rocks originated, I will 
briefly tell you. I found in a relative's yard a male 
bird, being a cross between the American type of 
Butt' Cochin and Light Brahma that possessed all 
that could be desired to ])reed to. He had a beauti- 
ful, even golden surface-coloi-, clear hackle, small 
eomb, red lobes, ])erfectly clean legs, and weighed 
twelve ])()uiids. 1 selected two of the best fenudes 
with the l)est feathering on legs and greatest length 
of tail-feathering and containing very even surface- 
color. The result of this mating was far beyond my 
expectation. This was in 1888 and I have carefully 
selected the best in my judgment each year until now 
they are bi-eeding as true to name as any other varie- 
ty of the Rock family. 

" 'I have been written to a great many times as 
fo their origin; have, however, refrained from giving 
it, as a knowledge of their exact breeding could not 
aid to hasten on their popularity. It was from the 
very first exhibit that the popularity of this beautiful 
])utt'-colored bird won the admii'ation of the fancier 
and their sterling ([ualities will continue to hold them 
at the front. 

" "A perfectly solid male Buff' Plymouth Rock 
throughout is certainly phenomenal in my experience. 
I have succeeded in raising only one such. However, 
customers are constantly writing t)ut descriptions of 

58 



P 1 J in o 11 1 b Rocks. 



such a rare bird, wanting? to buy at a reasonable price 
of five dollars— not \vishin<>- to pay a fancy price for 
such. Of course, they are very io-norant of the breed, 
or they would not expect so much for a trifle. 

" 'You will now know that Rhode Island Red blood 
does not constitute the make-up of my strain. 

" 'My first exhibit was made at the World's Fair, 
'93, making: a clean sweep, and their creditable show- 
ing won the Buff Plymouth Rock recoo-nition to 
American Standard of Perfection. Since, they have 
won first prizes at many of our leading shows, also 
first prizes, silver cups, and medal at the leading 
English shows. Trusting this may be of interest to 
you and many other successful breeders, I am very 
truly, (Signed) J. D. Wilson.' " 

This description of their origin gives to us an idea 
of their foreign make-up as to the Plymouth Rock 
family. It might be well to state that the White Ply- 
mouth Rock and Rhode Island Red ])l()0(ls were also 
used in their improvement. These combined pro- 
duced a fowl that, like all cross-bred stock, proves to 
be a very prolific layer. Tbere can not be any theory 
advanced as to why they should continue to be bet- 
ter egg-producers than others of the same family. 
As to their proper color, I submit below my opinion 
on buff color as published in the Poultry ^lonthly, of 
Albany. 

True Buff Color. — It must be smooth, even, and not 
mottled. The surface ticking most undesirable. All 
specialty clubs that guide the future of our buff varie- 
ties should stand firm for the Standard demand for 
true buff color, therein described as "Surface-color 
thoughout one even shade of rich golden-buff\ free 
from shafting or mealy appearance, the top-color of 

59 



Plymouth Jl o c k s . 



male and neck of female showinfic the metallic gloss 
luster, under-color a lighter shade, as free as possi- 
ble from all foreign color; other things being equal, 
the specimen showing the richest under-color shall 
receive the jireference." 

One has simply to study the wording of this descrip- 
tion to discover that it fully describes the demands for 
true buff color. Consider the meaning "one even 
shade." This does not describe a specimen having 
different shades of color in neck, back, wing-bow, and 
breast-color. Four or five shades of color on one 
specimen will not fill the demand. Even two shades 
is outside of the rule. Of whatever shade of color, 
it must be one even shade, to meet the first demand. 

The next and most important ]iart of the color de- 
sci'iption are Ihe woi'ds "rich Lioldcu-bult'. " This is 
not a pale lemon nor an orange-color; neither is it 
red, nor i-eddish-brown ; l)ut simply a rich, true buff 
of golden Inie, free from red, pink or brown. The 
only shade we have in metal or made color that ap- 
proaches the description is pure gold as used by the 
dentist, and some of this has a tendency to the copper- 
color, Avhiie othei's shade toward l)rass. Some have 
the notion that the pale, thin lemon-color, so weak in 
under-color that the white shows through, is the true 
color. This will not do for either show or breeding 
]nirposes. 

These two sections teach us that the color must 
be true and even; neither of several shades nor so 
thin of color as to show white ticking. From the 
latter alwa\s come white wings and l)ad undei'-color, 
with a tendency to white in tail-plumage. It must be 
perfectly even in color all ovei-, and true golden-buff. 

The next important demand is, "free from shafting 

60 



Plymouth Rocks 



or mealy appearance.'' The shaftini:: may come from 
the quills of the feather being either of a liirhter or 
darker shade than the web of the feather. Mealiness 
is a mixing- and mottling of lighter and darker shades 
in the wel), and is one of the most undesirable features 
possible to encourage. Better end its possibility for 
injury with extermination. 

The top-color of males and the neck of females 
should have the bright, metallic luster that is indica- 
tive of health and high condition. The lack of either 
lessens its luster and deadens the color of the whole 
plumage, t'nder-eolor has great encouragement in 
color description, and is of great importance ; but 
it should be noticed that under-color should be of a 
lighter shade than surface-color. It must be remem- 
bered, in considering a very light-colored bird, that 
under this description its under-color would be very 
light. 

The tendency for a year or two is toward pale, un- 
pronounced, washy color for butt' males. This is an 
error. Such specimens can be produced by mating 
a very red bird to a straw-colored white female of the 
same breed. It points to weakness of color, and is 
not what the Standard demands. 

Another mistake is the ett'ort to get rid of all black 
or shaded colored feathers in tail at the expense of 
wing-flights and under-color. Have had our attention 
called to specimens with no other color than bufif in 
tail. Close attention to wing-flights and secondaries 
of such specimens usually displays a weak, mealy ap- 
pearance. The gain in tail is lost in wing and under- 
color. The natural hiding-place for the excess of 
color or weakness of same seems to be in the most ex- 
treme parts of the body. White comes to our black- 

6i 



P 1 V m o 11 1 li R () (' k s 



est specimens on the tips of flight-feathers, and in the 
toe-feathering of all dark-colored birds. The black 
shading of all buff fowls hides itself naturally in the 
same locality. It can be corralled as simply a shading 
of main tail-feathers, and there it should be kept. 

Our effort to have solid-colored buff, ])ure and free 
from all foreign color, is quite commendable, and 
when accomplished should be applauded; but remem- 
ber, under-color nuist not be lost sight of, for it is the 
foundation of solid surface-color; and while many 
cling too closely to the too-much-under-color theory, 
a moderate shade of under-color is (piite necessary. 

Have heard it said that it should be quite as practi- 
cal)le to produce a pure buff' fowl as a i)ure white one. 
Who has produced any number of pure white fowls? 
When one is so produced without any trace of cream 
or straw shading, its advent is hei-alded well over the 
land. Quite as many pure buff' fowls are produced as 
pure white ones. When speaking of- white fowls, re- 
member that cream or straw-tint is the same to them 
as the black shading is to buff' ones. 

No shade of color known to fowls is as hard to pro- 
duce in perfection as true buff; no shade of color pro- 
duces an equal pei" cent of bad colored specimens, con- 
sidered from the standi'toint of the show-])en : no color 
has had one-half the consideration, nor has any color 
stood the criticism it has; and under all this double 
demand for far moi-e excellence of color than in any 
other, an equal pi'oportion of good colored specimens 
of buffs are produced in all buff varieties to the same 
proportion of other colors. 

The one stumbling-block to their greater perfection 
is the great diversity of opinion as to what is the 
proper shade of color. This has been so from the ad- 

62 



P 1 V m o Ti t h R o (• k s 



vent of the so-called Yellow Shanghais, and will con- 
tinue for all time; for as yet no accepted shade has 
gained absolute possession of the mind's eye of even 
a majority of our judges, who, in the active service, 
do more to mold opinion than all others besides. No 
one can take to himself the claim to be the absolute 
authority, for the shade selected by each is his right- 
ful opinion, the holding of which should have due re- 
spect. 

It is our fconsuming desire to have the buff fowls 
outrank all others as guides to greater perfection of 
color. We are not alone in our anguish. The Barred 
Rocks and Brown Leghorns are tossed upon the waves 
of color contention, and the change of judges in the 
Brahma classes proves the unsettled problems of fash- 
ion in shape and color. 

There can not be much doubt but that the same 
blood, to a large extent, flows within the veins of the 
majority of both the Plymouth Rocks and Buff Wyan- 
dottes of the present day. While these are disputed 
points, a careful study of all the facts finally leads one 
to the above conclusion. 

While dwelling upon the subject it is natural to 
mention all the Buff' varieties. Science in handling 
them has only had a pai'tial show. Two extremes 
of color are at fault with all of them— the too-red, 
with black tails; and the too-pale, with white under- 
color and a tendency to lacing in hackle and ticking 
on wing-bows. Of all the Buff' varieties the Buff' Leg- 
horn females have the most perfect breed charactei'- 
istics. All these breeds and varieties can l)e improved 
in color ]\v adding a little under-color to the lighter- 
colored birds, thus building up the color from under 
the surface, and in this way driving away the lacing 

63 



P 1 V m o n t b R o o k s 



and tickin*,'' from the surface. The removinc: of this 
weakness in surface-color by streniitheninii- from the 
under-color will enrich the shade and not bring blue 
or black into the wings or tail. Do not work for too 
much under-color. Have just a little improvement 
each year, so the surface-color may absorb and dis- 
tribute the color through and thi-ough evenly, and 
thus proniote evenness of shade. A pure, even color, 
though a little reddish in shade, is better than an un- 
even shading of any color. 

Trueness and evenness in color must be the first 
consideration when deciding on color, and it is just 
as easy to have the color even in one shade as in the 
other, hoth being a difficult prol)lem. It is quicker 
by far to build up the lighter shade tlum to drive the 
black from the wings and tail and the red from the 
surface of the darker specimens. The formation of 
the Buff Rocks must be trained within the lines of 
Plymouth Rock breed characteristics. Too many 
adopt the plan of overlooking defects in form if the 
color is right. This is a policy that will eventually 
prove the downfall of any variety. The secret of suc- 
cess with White Wyandottes lies in their having 
strong breed characteristics. If the sub-varieties of 
any breed become popular, their continued popularity 
depends upon their true breeding cpialities. 

The success in handling any fowl depends upon the 
close study given to the question of quality. Only 
(luality can bring continued success. We may gain 
some popularity by purchase of winners, but this is 
of short duration. The producing of a line of speci- 
mens showing a family resemblance is the true test 
of mei'it. and by this alone can we gain lasting reputa- 
tion. To do this the record of the hen as a producer 

64 




BUFF PLYMOUTH ROCK FEMALE 



P 1 V in <) 11 1 h K o (* k s. 



must be known. The day has tione by when we can 
depend on our ability to i>uess the mother of a speci- 
men from tlie reason that we think they look alike. 
Some certain method must be adopted that will tell 
us beyond doubt what hen laid the egi^-. One jrood 
method which would enable us to a certainty to de- 
cide on this question, is to either breed in pairs, or 
use some other reliable means to discover which hen 
in the pen laid the ep-g-. 

8ha]>e Considerations. — The only way possible to 
gain good standard shape in our young stock is to 
have it present in our breeding fowls. No matter what 
color variety w^e may select as our preference it must 
ever be borne in mind that each and every variety of 
all breeds must have the same shape or form. The 
specimen cut set forth as the emblem of Plymouth 
Rock form — as selected by the members of the Barred 
Rock fraternity — should be an identical likeness of 
that preferred by those who favor the White and Buff 
varieties. Breed characteristics should be the same 
in all, but so long as there is any question as to this 
just so long will there be confusion of opinions. 

When selecting mating stock, all specimens that 
do not have most excellent shape should be discarded. 
No matter how good the color, if shape is bad the 
specimen should be discarded. At the same time, the 
best color possible to obtain in the specimens having 
the finest shape should be striven for. Perfection of 
form in all varieties should first be striven for and 
added to this should be perfection of color. It is by 
far an easier task to gain color than it is to regain 
shape, (^n every side we see new varieties, distin- 
guished by their color and the shape is fairly good. 
Seek for shape first and build up the color afterwards. 

65 



P 1 y 111 <> 11 ( li T; o c k s . 

li' ^ood color is olitaiiied and poor sluipe tlie cliances 
are that color will he lost in the ei'l'ort to uain the 
better shape. 

Ill all niatinus it should he remeiiibered that color 
intluence comes lari;ely fi'oiii the male, while size is 
influenced more ])y the female; both having' infhience 
over all that pertains to the general make-up. ']'o be 
assured of fine, larue specimens, lai-fic females should 
be used in the breedini::-yards. It is also true that 
very little dejiendence can l)e ])lace(l on a male havint; 
inferior color; and under no conditions should inlerior 
specimens l)e made use of wnth the hope of iiettin<; 
superior cliicks from them, for it can't be accom- 
plished. It is too much against the law of uature. 




66 



PENCILED PLYMOUTH ROCKS. 



Ardent fanciers who have the greatest admiration 
for the Plymouth Kocks have originated two penciled 
varieties, one of which is called the Partridge Ply- 
mouth Rock, the other Silver Penciled Plymouth Rock. 
These are Plymouth Rocks in form, the one having 
the color and markings of the Partridge Wyandotte, 
the other the color and markings of the Silver Pen- 
ciled Wyandotte. Some of the strains of these two 
varieties have been built up through crossing several 
other varieties. ]\Iany of them, however, have come 
from the single comb sports from the Partridge and 
Silver Penciled Wyandottes. 

To be successful in the handling of these the very 
])est colored specimens must be selected and mated for 
the same color results that must be obtained in the 
Wyandottes of the same name. 

The Java Fowl. 



The inodern or present day Javas are bred in two 
varieties, the black and the mottled. The l)lack is 
said to have originated in ^Missouri in 1852 or there- 
al)outs. As they are now l)rod tliey are fashioned 
somewhat after the Plymouth Rocks, having longer 
backs, flowing tails, and darl\ or black shanks, which 
have a tendency to a lighter shade as the fowls add 
to their age, bottoms of feet yellow. The iNIottled 
Java is of a broken or mottled black and white 
throughout the black predominating, shanks and toes 
of a dark color mixed with yellow. Some of these 
have almost the same color of shank as have the 

^7 



P 1 y 111 o 11 1 h Iv o c k s 



Iloudiiiis and Aneoiias. The Mottled Javas originated 
in the early seventies, the result of a cross of a large 
white hen with a black Java male. 

Jersey Blues. 



Jersey Bines are mentioned among our earlier 
recoi-ds of American fowls, and are the i-esult of a 
cross between the great IMalay and some of oui- tlo- 
mestic fowls. The IMalay of early day did not have 
the distinct black-red colors of tlie present. The 
hackle, back, and sadcUe of tlie male were of a pale 
reddish-yellow', the body and tail-color black. This 
fowl crossed U])on our native stock produced a rather 
long-legged coarse fowl that was only valued as a 
medium-grade mai'ket fowl and ])()oi' egg-])roducei". 
Their color is I'ccordcd as of a black cast. One would 
conclude from their general make-ui) that there was 
some of the eai'ly-type Black Si)anish in their blood. 
The original Jersey l>lues weighed about twelve to 
sixteen pounds pei' ])air. 

Blue fowls have come fi'om Dai'k Bi-ahma and 
Black Spanish crosses. The Bi-ahma. like the Malay, 
is of Asiatic origin. Blue fowls have come from the 
Black ]\Iinorcas.. The same result has come from 
other like crosses. So wo are led to conclude that 
some clean-legged black fowl was ]vdvt of theii- make- 
up. Most natui-al to conclude it must have been either 
the Java or Spanish, both of which were known in 
New Jersey at an early day. The absence of the white 
ear-lobe would point to the iNlalay-Java cross. The 
Jersey Blues, as we now see them are a large, heavy- 
bodied fowl, favoring a Spanish-Java cross. They 
have dark eyes, dark l)eaks and legs. The color of 

68 



Plymouth K o c k s 



the male is slaty-bhie for breast and body, the feather 
laced around the edge with a darker color ; top-color 
very dark bluish black, the tail same color. The fe- 
male is the same slaty color all over, neck and tail a 
shade or two darker than body color, each feather 
laced same as l)reast of male. They have single combs 
and red ear-lol)es. The Jersey Blue is (juite like the 
Blue Andalusian in color and marking. It is con- 
sidered larger. They lay a brown colored egji; of a 
very rich Havor and are above the average as to 
the number laid each year. They are a fine, large, 
vigorous fowl. Their greatest disadvantage with us 
is their dark beaks and legs. 

The ])lue-laced fowls come from the cross usually 
of white and l)lack fowls. The Andalusians, the Jer- 
sey Blue, and Blue Langshans are all marked alike. 
The Jersey lilues, even at this late date, throw some 
chicks having feathers on their legs, showing the 
presence of some feather-legged ancestor. 

Rhode Island Reds. 



No new bi-eed of fowls has attracted more attention 
and gained more popnlai'ity in so short a time as have 
the Rhode Island Reds. When they first attracted at- 
tention there were single comb, rose coml), and pea 
comb varieties. The rose comli and the single comb 
varieties have become quite popular ; the pea comb 
has almost disappeared from public attention. The 
single comb variety was admitted to the Standard 
February, 1904. ' The rose comb variety is asking for 
admission under several separate names. The origin 
of the Rhode Island Reds is claimed to be an admix- 
ture of Asiatics, Red Malays, Red Cochin Chinas, 

69 



1* 1 y Jii o 11 I li K () (• k s . 

Brown Legliorns, and Anally some Plymouth Rock and 
Wyandotte blood. As we now have them, the single 
comb varieties are nnich like the JMymouth Kock in 
shape; the rose comb variety more like the Wyandotte, 
color of plumage, top-color of male rich brilliant red. 
Main tail feathers and two main sickle feathers black 
or greenish black, shanks and feet yellow, the ])reast 
color of the male red, bnt not so rich nor so l)rilliant 
as the top color of the male. Plumage color of the 
female throughout should be one even shade of color 
about like the breast cohn- of the male. It is called 
golden buff. AVe think that it is better described as 
a light snuff brown; black tails and black ticking in 
the neck of the females is permissible. In fact the 
Standard calls for black or greenish black main tail 
feathers, but states that females of (Mjual value in all 
other res])ects, the one without the ticlcing in the neck 
shall have the preference. 

The Rhode Island Reds have greatly improved in 
the last few years; large classes of them are sliown at 
the winter shows, and they have many enthusiastic 
admii'ei's. Without (luestion they are fme egg-pro- 
ducers and splendid market poult'ry. 

Since the estalilishing of a Standard that is very 
rigid in its descriptions of type and color for the 
Rhode Island Reds, there has ])een great improvement 
in them, and they liid fair to become one of the ])opu- 
lar Amei-ican varieties. It has lieen stated of them 
that they gained their reputation upon their economic 
merit. Farmers who kee]i aiul rear them in gi-eat 
numliers claim that in size, length and fullness of 
breast, they are fully the ecpml of any of the Ameri- 
can varieties. Their distinctive color places them in 
a class entirel.y to themselves. 

70 



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